Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year won’t be as festive as previous years as the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and circuit breaker period will still be effect, ensuring that everyone stays safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cinemas, too, will remain closed during this time.
“Syif Malam Raya”
Originally scheduled to open in Malaysian cinemas these Raya holidays, this horror comedy has to move its release to Astro First as cinemas remain closed for the foreseeable future. Directed by Prof Madya A. Razak Mohaideen, it revolves around Zaid and Hisyam who are transporting a body to Ipoh on Raya night. Along the way, they pick up Mera and Yoh who are returning to their hometown for the holidays. Horror and hilarity ensue when they reach a village that’s haunted by a pocong.
“Manap Karaoke”
This Mamat Khalid comedy became the first Malaysian movie to forgo a theatrical release in favour of on-demand screening when it was released on Astro First earlier this month. Given the current cinema closures, the filmmaker didn’t have much of a choice, but he does hope that this new movie will bring some joy to everyone at home. Starring Joey Daud, Mona Allen, Pekin Ibrahim and more, the movie’s set in the 1990s and follows Manap, who establishes a “moving karaoke” but its success soon turns him into the rival of Bogiba, whose karaoke business is losing customers.
“Hantu Kak Limah”
Have a hilarious Raya when you stream this commercially successful horror comedy on Netflix. This 2018 movie is the third instalment of the “Hantu Kak Limah” film series, also helmed by Mamat Khalid. It tells of a village that becomes haunted by Kak Limah’s spirit after her sudden death. Amidst the horror that ensues, the villagers also keep finding themselves in hilarious moments. It’s fun for the whole family, though do warn the tiny tots of the titular ghost’s appearance unless you want to deal with their nightmares throughout the whole Raya.
“Munafik 2”
For those looking for something a little more serious (and spooky) this Raya, the best movie to re-watch is Syamsul Yusof’s sequel to 2016’s “Munafik”. Also available on Netflix, the 2018 horror movie follows a Muslim healer who is haunted by terrifying visions. When he has to help a woman who is locked in a battle with a diabolical leader, he finds his faith tested. Aside from directing it, Syamsul also stars, along with Maya Karin, Nasir Bilal Khan and Mawi.
“Geng: Pengembaraan Bermula”
Before Upin and Ipin became a household name in Malaysia, the mischievous twins were first introduced on the big screen in this 2009 3D computer animated film by Les' Copaque. Also known as “Gang: The Adventure Begins”, this animated feature directed by Nizam Razak sees the twins as part of a group of children that are investigating a mystery in their village. Stream this movie on Netflix for a fun movie day with the family!